Marc and Robert Gutierrez are partners operating out of AMR’s Redlands operations in San Bernardino County. On December 2, 2015, they were among the first EMS personnel to arrive at the scene of the devastating terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center where 14 people were killed and 21 were injured.

Upon arrival, Marc and Robert moved into the triage area which was surrounded by police personnel and protected by rooftop snipers due to concerns the shooters would return to attack first responders. Immediately the two paramedics encountered numerous gunshot victims, and began adapting triage protocols to address the volume of victims and nature of the injuries sustained, and at times moving from patients who had succumbed to injuries to try and save others.

Marc and Robert, in addition to numerous AMR and public safety personnel, were able to rise to the occasion on this day, stay calm and focused, and do what they needed to do to save the lives of patients in a very difficult and dangerous situation.

Lesyan and Liosdan Diaz are partners from AMR’s Miami Operations and have similar backgrounds. Both immigrated at a young age with relatives to the United States from Cuba. Their strong family values, along with a close knit childhood, have contributed to their success in EMS and in their abilities to help others in their times of need.

While on duty, these crew members discovered a horrific motor vehicle accident on the interstate. A stranded motorist, who had been trying to repair a stalled vehicle, was struck by a passing car and sustained life-threatening injuries. The crew immediately took charge and quickly responded. After radioing in a trauma alert, they rendered both BLS and ALS care, and provided treatment to the patient which has been credited as saving his life. Unknown to the crew at the time of the incident, the patient was an AMR co-worker who was on his way home from work.

Because of the partners’ quick thinking and their strong clinical abilities, they saved the life of a colleague.

The first thing many people notice about Christina is her enthusiasm and “can do” attitude. This wonderful approach makes her a pleasure to work with and a comfort to her patients in the nearly 14 years she has been with MedicWest.

On December 20, 2015, Christina was working at an event at a hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard when a woman in a car began running over pedestrians in front of the hotel. The hotel personnel notified Christina who rushed to the scene and began providing medical care to the injured. Because of conflicting reports of “shots fired,” all responding EMS personnel were staged waiting for an all clear from law enforcement. Christina single-handedly provided triage and treatment to all patients for 15 minutes until the all clear was given. More than 30 patients received care from Christina and were quickly transported because of her actions.

Her actions, positive attitude and infectious smile are an inspiration to all.

Liosdan and Lesyan Borges are partners from AMR’s Miami Operations and have similar backgrounds. Both immigrated at a young age with relatives to the United States from Cuba. Their strong family values, along with a close knit childhood, have contributed to their success in EMS and in their abilities to help others in their times of need.

While on duty, these crew members discovered a horrific motor vehicle accident on the interstate. A stranded motorist, who had been trying to repair a stalled vehicle, was struck by a passing car and sustained life-threatening injuries. The crew immediately took charge and quickly responded. After radioing in a trauma alert, they rendered both BLS and ALS care, and provided treatment to the patient which has been credited as saving his life. Unknown to the crew at the time of the incident, the patient was an AMR co-worker who was on his way home from work.

Because of the partners’ quick thinking and their strong clinical abilities, they saved the life of a colleague.

Not only is Tris a positive role model, instructor and mentor, she is also a compassionate and dedicated clinician. Whether holding a hand, wiping away a tear, or comforting a patient, Tris starts each shift with one goal—to make a difference, one patient at a time. In addition to her role as EMT and Field Training Officer, Tris is a volunteer field team member with the King County Search and Rescue, an organization that performs more than 100 urban and rural rescue missions each year. Tris’s passion for EMS and relentless commitment to her profession, community, and the patients she serves are some of the many reasons why she has been selected as a Star of Life.

With more than 22 years at AMR, Robert’s leadership has shone during some of the most challenging events in his community’s recent history.

During the Waldo Canon Fire in 2012, Robert was one of the first units on the scene at the Mount St. Francis Nursing Facility. As the Field Supervisor, he determined the facility needed to be evacuated and quickly implemented a plan. His quick thinking and actions contributed to a successful evacuation and ultimately saved many lives.

On November 27, 2015, Robert coordinated with both fire and police personnel during the Planned Parenthood shooting, an incident that lasted more than six hours. His leadership ensured the treatment and transport of 12 victims.

Robert is now using his knowledge and experience from these difficult events to begin implementation of tactical EMS deployment in Colorado Springs and throughout the region.

Robert and Marc Archer are partners operating out of AMR’s Redlands operations in San Bernardino County. On December 2, 2015, they were among the first EMS personnel to arrive at the scene of the devastating terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center where 14 people were killed and 21 were injured.

Upon arrival, Marc and Robert moved into the triage area which was surrounded by police personnel and protected by rooftop snipers due to concerns the shooters would return to attack first responders. Immediately, the two paramedics encountered numerous gunshot victims, and began adapting triage protocols to address the volume of victims and nature of the injuries sustained, and at times moving from patients who had succumbed to injuries to try and save others.

Marc and Robert, in addition to numerous AMR and public safety personnel, were able to rise to the occasion on this day, stay calm and focused, and do what they needed to do to save the lives of patients in a very difficult and dangerous situation.

Bill is an innovator and devoted clinician with a unique ability to control any situation and bring calm to both patients and coworkers. With 21 years of EMS experience, Bill has performed numerous field saves and most recently lead the development of AMR’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program for the Portland operations.

Thanks to the countless hours Bill spent researching, training and meeting with mental health professionals, CISM has greatly benefited hundreds of AMR employees experiencing stress related to a difficult patient incident. In 2015, the CISM program was recognized by JEMS magazine with the Innovators in EMS Award.

Bill’s hard work and dedication to both his patients and fellow EMS professionals are why he is being honored as a Star of Life.

Kenneth Lujan is devoted to both the patients he serves and his fellow co-workers. He takes pride in every aspect of his job, ensuring that patient care is supported by his attention to every detail.

In February of 2015, Kenneth saw an opportunity to improve gurney safety. He took his idea to the Safety Committee and, as a team, they developed a color-coded decal that displays a “green” color when it is safe to move the gurney carrying a patient.

Kenneth is constantly looking for opportunities to further his training, and regularly volunteers to teach continuing education and new training classes for EMS providers and students. Always approachable, Kenneth is often the person that will provide direction on how to improve care for patients. He is truly a mentor to his peers and is a trusted resource for his co-workers.

Bill is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer for AMR in Hartford, Connecticut. He is receiving the Star of Life award for his life-saving actions during a cardiac call in 2015. He responded to the “unknown medical” call and found himself evaluating a young female patient who was in an unstable arrhythmia. His calming demeanor and connection with the patient immediately gained her trust. Bill then prepared the patient both physically and emotionally before successfully cardioverting her into a normal rhythm.

Bill is a compassionate and patient-focused professional who has earned a reputation among his peers as a strong clinician committed to improving the quality of emergency medical services in his community. Bill exhibits strong clinical skills and is highly dependable; however, it is his deep compassion that sets Bill apart. He is described by his peers as both a leader and someone who displays utmost confidence that puts both patients and trainees at ease.

Julia Spring, Chief Flight Nurse, is receiving the Star of Life award for her continued selfless leadership of the AMR Air Clinical Operations. Julia has spent the last 30 years in the flight medicine world and has been with AMR Air since its inception in 2002. Her work this year to ensure that the organization achieved reaccreditation as a CAMTS operator was a testament to her dedication to the quality and safety of patient care and operations. Additionally, due in large part to Julia’s efforts, AMR was able to add neonatal transports to the level of service provided. Julia leads the clinical operations of AMR Air and AMR Air Hawaii, which are the highest practicing critical care level of prehospital medicine for AMR.

Marcus has been with AMR Ohio for six months and has conducted himself with the utmost professionalism to everyone he comes in contact with. He is a recipient of numerous patient compliments for his exceptional demeanor and care, and he had the ability to demonstrate these traits on an emergency call in December.
When responding to a call for which fire department personnel were unavailable,
Marcus began treatment of a 53-year-old patient complaining of chest pain. After an assessment, 12 lead EKG and IV, the patient became unresponsive. Marcus’s partner began CPR while Marcus prepared to defibrillate. CPR was resumed after defibrillation. Moments later, the patient regained a cardiac rhythm, regained consciousness and actually complained the chest compressions hurt. The patient was transported to a nearby hospital, rushed to the cardiac Cath lab, underwent open heart surgery and was able to spend another holiday with his family.
Marcus is a four year veteran of the United States Navy and has received two Navy Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Medal. He is working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management. Marcus is a welcome addition to the Ohio team.

A nine-year veteran, Heidi is a well-respected paramedic in the San Diego EMS community, with a career that has traveled from Texas to New Zealand and back to the city where she was born. Last year, Heidi and her partner, AMR Paramedic Supervisor Theresa Conrad, witnessed a traffic collision as they were completing another call. The vehicle, with two passengers inside, caught fire almost immediately after the crash. Instinctively Heidi, a former rugby player, and her partner pulled both occupants out of the burning vehicle and began rendering aid. The fire was so hot that Heidi’s cell phone exploded from the heat while in her pocket causing minor burns to her leg. The bravery Heidi showed during this event, and her dedication to her patients and the residents of the City of San Diego, are what make Heidi stand out as a Star of Life.

In January 2015, a pickup truck flipped several times directly in front of Ryan and his partners’ ambulance. On approaching the vehicle, they saw the engine was smoking. The doors wouldn’t open. While Ryan’s partner pulled the driver through the window, Ryan yanked and kicked the passenger-side door wide enough to free the two other occupants. Moments later, the truck burst into flames. Coincidentally, the TV news crew was right behind the ambulance when the crash happened. The TV crew filmed the rescue and the video went viral on social media sites – showing these heroic
actions to a worldwide audience.

But this triple save isn’t the only reason Ryan is a Star of Life. He is one of the best field training officers at his operation. He and his partner placed second in AMR’s southern regional competition on clinical and safety skills, plus the Mississippi EMT Association named Ryan the statewide 2015 Paramedic of the Year. For his FTO talents, superior patient care and leadership ability, he was promoted to clinical manager late last year.

Ryan and his wife, an emergency nurse, stay busy with their five children. AMR Mississippi is proud to nominate Ryan Wilson as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.